Selenium Deficiency, Health Benefits and Side Effects
Symptoms of Selenium Deficiency
Selenium is necessary to help prevent and treat a number of infections, viruses and diseases, with a lack of selenium linked to potentially fatal viral mutations. In Healing Supplements, Lakin et al. highlight symptoms associated with selenium deficiency, to include the following:
- higher incidences of cancer
- more susceptible to heart problems
- immune problems
- inflammatory conditions
- skin disease
- increased risk of birth defects
- muscular weakness
- fatigue
Additional symptoms of selenium deficiency, as identified by Brewer in The Essential Guide to Vitamins, Minerals and Herbal Supplements, include as follows:
- pale fingernail beds
- age spots
- premature skin wrinkling
- poor growth
- sub-fertility
- arthritis
- high blood pressure
- pancreatitis
- hypothyroidism
Health Benefits of Selenium Supplements
Selenium supplements are primarily helpful for boosting the immune system and are also used to treat a variety of ailments. Brewer highlights key health benefits associated with taking selenium as a nutritional supplement, to include the following:
- promotes normal cell growth
- enhances detoxifying cancer-causing chemicals
- boosts production of antibodies
- reduces severity of influenza (flu) symptoms
- helps protect against cancer
- lowers rates of tumour progression
- protects against senility and Alzheimer's
- reduces risk of heart disease and non-fatal heart attacks
- increases sperm mobility and improves paternal fertility
- improves thyroid function
- reduces asthma/epilepsy symptoms
Selenium Supplements – Dosage and Side Effects
The usual dosage of selenium supplements is between 100-200 mcg daily; however, the current EU recommended daily amount (RDA) is 55 mcg, while the UK recommended intake is 60 mcg for women and 75 mcg for men. Selenium supplements are available from health food stores and pharmacies in both capsule and tablet form.
According to Lakin et al., those taking high intakes of selenium, such as over 800 mcg a day, may suffer side-effects, including the following:
- nervousness
- depression
- nausea
- vomiting
- garlicky breath odour
- hair loss
- loss of fingernails
Further possible side-effects associated with selenium toxicity, as recognised by Brewer, include black fingernails, dizziness and a metallic taste in the mouth. Before taking selenium and other nutritional or herbal supplements, it is worth first discussing dosage and potential side-effects with the family doctor.
As highlighted above, selenium deficiency may cause fatigue, skin disease, fertility and thyroid problems. Health benefits of taking selenium supplements, include improved immunity, increased cancer protection, lower levels of heart disease, senility and Alzheimer's.